The hiking trails in Santa Barbara are some of the most breathtakingly beautiful in the United States. With its lush forests, stunning mountain vistas, and pristine coastline, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to the area to explore and experience all that the area has to offer.
Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, many of these trails have been closed for public use.
The Santa Barbara County Parks Department has announced that all trails in their jurisdiction are closed temporarily until further notice. This includes popular hiking areas and scenic backcountry trails such as Gaviota State Park, Nojoqui Falls Trailhead, Refugio State Beach Trailhead, and El Capitan State Beach Trailhead. These closures are necessary in order to ensure the safety of visitors and protect the parks from potential damage due to overcrowding.
In addition to these closures, visitors should also be aware that some private land owners may also close their hiking trails due to potential liability issues. Many of these private owners are not willing to risk potential injury lawsuits or property damage caused by hikers on their land.
That being said, there are still plenty of places available for outdoor enthusiasts who want to get out and explore in Santa Barbara. All beaches remain open for walking and sunbathing (as long as proper distancing guidelines are followed), while local parks such as Rattlesnake Canyon Park remain open for hiking and other outdoor recreation activities.
The Santa Barbara County Parks Department is also offering a variety of virtual programs and resources for those who want to explore from home. These include virtual hikes through local parks, live webinars about native plants and wildlife, guided meditations for relaxation and stress relief, as well as a variety of other educational programs.
Conclusion:
At this time, most of the hiking trails in Santa Barbara are closed due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are still plenty of places available for outdoor enthusiasts who want to get out and explore in Santa Barbara.
All beaches remain open for walking and sunbathing (as long as proper distancing guidelines are followed), while local parks such as Rattlesnake Canyon Park remain open for hiking and other outdoor recreation activities. The Santa Barbara County Parks Department is also offering a variety of virtual programs and resources for those who want to explore from home.
